The Los Angeles Lakers made a compelling move at the G-League level on Friday that many likely didn't notice.
Los Angeles’ G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, cut ties with Luka Doncic's 7-foot former Dallas Mavericks teammate via a G-League buyout.
“Center Kylor Kelley has left the South Bay Lakers via a buy-out with the NBA G League to pursue an opportunity overseas,” South Bay wrote on X/Twitter Friday.
Kelley, who only spent a day with the Boston Celtics in 2023 before getting waived by the franchise, signed with the Lakers last August. Unfortunately, the Oregon State product didn’t make Los Angeles’ opening night roster, prompting him to join South Bay.
While far from a superstar in the G-League this season, Kelley was solid in his role with South Bay. The 28-year-old averaged 8.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, shooting 73.3% from the field in 19 contests.
In the big leagues, Kelley hasn’t done much to prove his worth. The Gervais, Oregon native is averaging 3.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game for his career (with the Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans), shooting 63.6% from the field in 11 contests.
Kelley, who was the 2024 G-League blocks leader, is now preparing to take his talents to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to compete with the Converge FiberXers.
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